Resilient rookie
Reader taken under wing of Wilfork, who understands family tragedy
Inside the Texans’ cafeteria, two of the most imposing men on the roster regularly break bread and engage in conversations that run the gamut from life to football.
They’ve rapidly built a strong bond through shared heartbreak, a shared position, hearty appetites and a passion for the game.
When rookie nose tackle D.J. Reader looks across the table at veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork, he sees the big brother he never had and a wise man who understands the pain he feels.
Two years ago, Reader was a Clemson junior when he received the fateful phone call that his beloved father, David Vernon Reader Sr., had died from kidney failure at 51 years old. An only child, Reader took a leave of absence over a year later, missing six games last season after he and his mother realized he needed private counseling to overcome his deep grief.
Wilfork dealt with a similar tragedy 14 years ago when he was a sophomore at the University of Miami, losing both of his parents to illnesses within six months. David Wilfork Sr. died of kidney failure at age 48 on June 2, 2002, after suffering from diabetes for several years. On Dec. 16, 2002, Barbara Wilfork died at age 46 from complications following a stroke.
“We’ve shared some meals here, and every time I see him sitting there in the cafeteria, I try to make sure I get around him and listen to him,” Reader said. “A lot of times,
it’s not football talk. He’s a very wise guy. He understands.
“Vince definitely has helped me a lot. Knowing my story, and I know his, we just stay focused on football and what we can control.”
A tapestry of words on his beefy arms tells the story of Wilfork’s perspective. One arm has a tattoo with the words inscribed: “One life.” The other arm has the words: “To live.” Each forearm has a tribute to his parents, with one bearing “RIP Mom” and the other “RIP Dad.”
Quick connection
As soon as the Texans drafted Reader in the fifth round, Wilfork, a 34-yearold five-time Pro Bowler who won two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots before joining the Texans last year, made it a point to reach out to the 21-year-old.
“We talk a lot,” Wilfork said. “He sits in front of me in the meeting room. I think he has a different outlook on life than a young guy coming into this league. Out of the rookie class, he’s kind of similar to me and the situation I’ve had to go through, but he took it in stride.
“He has a passion for the game. He’s very smart, very intelligent. He’s a great person and not just a good football player. He’ll be able to help us if he continues to do the right things.”
Massive at 6-3, 333 pounds, Reader was extremely close to his father. His father lived in Greensboro, N.C., but was a constant fixture at Clemson practices and games. He was a tough critic who didn’t hold back in his takes on his son and his teammates’ performances.
Like Reader’s father, Wilfork’s father battled health issues for a long time. He was first diagnosed with diabetes when Wilfork was in grammar school. Wilfork and his brother, David, spent time after school ensuring their father had his insulin and made sure he was bathed whenever he was weary.
His father still made sure Wilfork stayed in his books and qualified academically to accept a scholarship to Miami. One year after the Hurricanes won the national title during his freshman season, Wilfork rushed to his father’s side at the hospital in their hometown of Boynton Beach, Fla., to place the prized ring on one of his fingers.
Being a mentor comes naturally to Wilfork. After joining the Patriots as a first-round draft pick in 2004, Wilfork was mentored by older players like Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison and Richard Seymour. At Miami, Wilfork benefited from the presence of Ed Reed and Reggie Wayne.
Now, Wilfork is passing their words of wisdom along to Reader.
“Growing up, I always looked up to my father,” Wilfork said. “I was shown the ropes at a young age, and it carried over to my career now. I had a lot of help on my way. I love who I am. I love the road that I have. I think the guys around me understand who I am.”
Couldn’t walk away
Like Reader, Wilfork considered walking away from football when he lost his parents but couldn’t leave the game he loves and plays to honor his loved ones’ memory.
Wilfork’s wife, Bianca, gave him a gold medallion that contains a photo of his parents taken at the prom for the high school sweethearts.
Having so much in common with Wilfork has given Reader a comfort level he doesn’t believe he would have found with any other NFL team.
“Definitely, it’s like having a big brother,” Reader said. “He’s a little bit older, so he’s like an uncle. He demands a lot, but it’s always good when you come to the sidelines.
“I just sit there and pick his brain. He’s been getting on me, but it’s good. He makes sure I’m ready.”
Heavy-handed and powerful, Reader is quietly having a strong training camp. He forced a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers to lead a goal-line stand and recorded three tackles in the Texans’ preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.
“I think he’s had a very consistent camp,” Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver said. “The battle for any rookie is to continue to climb.”
Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a fellow former Clemson standout, called Reader “a draft steal.”
Having the benefit of learning behind Wilfork, a member of the Patriots’ 50th-anniversary all-time team who’s entering his 13th NFL season, gives Reader a belief he was meant to be a Texan.
“It feels like home,” he said. “God blessed me to get drafted here. They work me hard, the same thing my dad would do. I have a lot of extra father figures here.”